Hawkward, William (1778-1836)

William Hawkward was born in Rochdale in 1778.  He lived without God until 1824, when being invited to go to the P. M. preaching room, the word reached his heart, he cried to the Lord for pardon, and believed and triumphed in redeeming love.  He joined class in Bro. Bridges’ cellar, the first class of P. Methodist in Rochdale; continued in it unto the last; and was a steady, zealous member.  He walked worthy of his profession, was zealous and attentive to the prayer meetings, and regular at his class; and was much in secret prayer.  His Bible was a chief companion.  He read and prayed much.  He went through much affliction, but his faith was strong in the Lord.  He used to say, “My bank will never break.”

About two months before his death he was heavily afflicted with his old complaint, the asthma: and it was evident he was not long for this world.  He told those who came to see him, that he was bound home; and, referring to his daughter, who died in triumph some time before, observed, that she would welcome her father to the heavenly shore.

December 15,1836, he fell asleep in Jesus, in the fifty-eighth year of his age, leaving a widow and two daughters to lament their loss.  His widow and one of his daughters are steady members in our society.

J. Britain

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Page 36.